Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun has called on all aspirants of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ogun State to respect local council zoning arrangements and embrace consensus-building as the party prepares for the forthcoming elections. The governor made the appeal during a strategic meeting in Abeokuta with House of Representatives and House of Assembly aspirants, alongside party leaders from the state's 20 local councils.
Governor's Appeal for Unity
Abiodun, while addressing the gathering, stressed that although many party members are qualified to contest, only one candidate can emerge for each position. He therefore urged aspirants to prioritise the party's unity through dialogue and compromise rather than engage in divisive contests. He said that zoning arrangements across local councils would serve as a guiding framework to promote fairness, equity, and inclusion within the party. He added that grassroots leaders are best positioned to assess aspirants and recommend suitable candidates.
To ease tensions, the governor pledged to refund nomination form fees to aspirants who do not secure the party's tickets, assuring them of compensation and future opportunities within the party. He further disclosed that several aspirants who stepped down or aligned with the party's decisions had already been considered for government appointments, describing the move as a way to retain experienced members and discourage anti-party activities.
Oyo APC Rejects Imposition
Meanwhile, concerned and key stakeholders of the APC in Oyo State have rejected alleged moves to impose consensus candidates, warning that such actions could trigger a collapse of the party's structure ahead of the 2027 general elections. The warning was contained in a communiqué issued at the end of a media briefing held at the Otunba Subomi Balogun Hall, University of Ibadan, where participants expressed deep concern and dissatisfaction over recent developments within the party. The stakeholders include Akinleye Olusegun Bishop, Saheed Olayiwola, Adetoyese Akeem Ishola, Asiwaju Adekola Mudashiru, Mogaji Abiola Oyeyemi, Inaolaji Akinloye, Asoludero Banji, and others.
Call for Change in Ekiti North
However, a frontline aspirant for the Ekiti North Senatorial District seat, Ayodele Arise, has called for a fundamental shift in political representation in the district, urging a transition from what he described as ceremonial leadership to results-driven governance. Arise said that the current model of representation had failed to deliver meaningful development, insisting that constituents deserve leadership that produces measurable impact rather than symbolic presence. According to him, representation must go beyond attending functions and sponsoring motions, stressing that elected officials should leverage their offices to attract investments, influence policy direction, and improve the economic well-being of their people. The aspirant identified a disconnect between political office holders and grassroots realities as a major challenge, noting that effective leadership must be rooted in continuous engagement with constituents and a clear understanding of their needs. He therefore emphasised the need for a more strategic approach to lawmaking, one that prioritises development-focused legislation and active participation in national policy negotiations.
